Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol
An Unexpected Revelation from the RCB Star
As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the high-stakes IPL 2026 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Gujarat Titans, the spotlight has shifted toward one of RCB’s most elegant left-handers. In a candid pre-match interview, Devdutt Padikkal opened up about his upbringing, his inspirations, and the unique quirks that define his professional persona.
Perhaps the most discussed takeaway from his recent appearance on JioHotStar was his choice of cricketing heroes. Despite playing alongside modern Indian batting icon Virat Kohli for several seasons within the RCB setup, Devdutt Padikkal snubs Virat Kohli as he names Gautam Gambhir his cricket idol, alongside the legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. For many fans, this admission was unexpected, given the proximity and influence of the RCB veteran in his immediate dressing room environment.
The Legacy of Champions
Padikkal explained that his admiration for Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh stems from the glory days of Indian white-ball cricket. Both players were instrumental in India’s massive successes in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Gambhir was renowned for his steely resolve under pressure during crucial summit clashes, while Yuvraj Singh captivated a generation with his explosive power, fearless approach, and unparalleled match-winning capabilities.
“That’s a tough question. There are a few, but I would say Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh,” Padikkal noted during his interview, acknowledging that his childhood heroes were defined by their ability to perform when the stakes were at their absolute highest.
Reflecting on a Stellar Career Path
Beyond his inspirations, Padikkal took a moment to reflect on his personal journey within the Indian Premier League. When pressed about his most cherished moment, he pointed toward the collective triumph of lifting the trophy, highlighting the camaraderie and hard work that define the IPL experience. His favorite technical maneuver remains the elegant “flick shot,” a stroke that has become a trademark of his batting repertoire.
He also took a trip down memory lane to recall his most memorable innings: the scintillating unbeaten century against the Rajasthan Royals in 2021. Scoring 101 runs off just 52 deliveries, he powered RCB to a dominant 10-wicket victory at the Wankhede Stadium, showcasing the high-tempo potential that has become a staple of his game.
From Astrology to Nicknames
The conversation also delved into the more personal side of the cricketer. Regarding his jersey number 37, Padikkal revealed it was not a random choice but one rooted in his family’s traditions. “I think it’s something to do with astrology. It’s my mom’s doing, so yeah, 37 is from there,” he shared with a smile. Furthermore, he credited veteran commentator Simon Doull for popularizing his widespread nickname, “DDP,” which has since been adopted by teammates and fans alike.
A Defining Season for Padikkal
The 2026 season has arguably been the finest of Padikkal’s career to date. His tactical evolution has been clear for all to see, as he transitioned into a far more aggressive role, enabling RCB to reach their second consecutive IPL final. His statistics speak volumes: 463 runs in 15 matches, maintained at a staggering strike rate of 170.85 and an average of 35.62. With three half-centuries to his name and a highest score of 61, Padikkal has cemented his status as a cornerstone of the RCB batting order.
As the final showdown approaches, fans will be looking to see if the inspiration he drew from big-match players like Gambhir and Yuvraj will translate into a decisive performance on the field in Ahmedabad. Regardless of the outcome, Padikkal’s journey remains one of the most compelling stories of the 2026 IPL season.
